HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals

About HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals

HemaQuest Pharmaceuticals was a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing oral, small-molecule therapeutics for hematological diseases, particularly hemoglobin disorders. Founded in late 2007 by a team including Drs. Susan Perrine, Douglas Faller, Ronald Berenson, Thalia Papayannopoulou, and George Stamatoyannopoulos, the company was established with initial locations in Boston and Seattle before centralizing its headquarters in San Diego. The company's technology was based on discoveries related to short-chain fatty acid derivatives (SCFADs) made at Boston University, which were shown to stimulate fetal hemoglobin expression.

The company's lead product candidate was HQK-1001, an orally administered SCFAD developed to treat sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia by increasing the production of fetal hemoglobin. This mechanism was intended to prevent the sickling of red blood cells, thereby reducing pain crises and hospitalizations associated with the conditions. HQK-1001 received Orphan Drug Designation in both the United States and Europe for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. HemaQuest advanced HQK-1001 through multiple clinical trials, including Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies, to evaluate its safety, tolerability, and efficacy. The company also had a second therapeutic, HQK-1004, in development for viral-related cancers. Over its lifespan, HemaQuest raised significant venture capital, securing a $20M Series A round in 2007, a $12M Series B round in 2010, and a $13M extension in 2012 from investors such as De Novo Ventures, Forward Ventures, Lilly Ventures, Aberdare Ventures, and Latterell Venture Partners. Despite its clinical progress, the company ultimately ceased operations in early 2014.